Dylan Cook has been selected as the “Outstanding Senior” by the University of Arizona College of Fine Arts and the School of Music for the 2025 spring semester.
Here’s a summary of Professor Brian A. Luce’s nomination letter:
Dylan Cook, the 2024–2025 Presser Scholar, is a double major in Music Performance and Music Education whose excellence spans academic achievement, performance, educational outreach, and service. A 4.0 GPA student and dynamic leader, Dylan exemplifies the highest ideals of the School of Music.
Mx. Cook has served as principal flute and piccolo in the Wind Ensemble and Wind Symphony, performed and arranged for University Singers, and led premieres with the Flutefinity ensemble for campus and international audiences. At the 2023 National Flute Association Convention, Dylan premiered works by Native American composers and revived a neglected piece by Emma Lou Diemer. The ensemble’s YouTube recording of “Breaking Glass,” produced by Dylan, has garnered over 28,000 views.
As a soloist, Dylan has premiered multiple new works—often from memory—showcasing striking musicality and poise. Their outreach includes work with the Vail Youth Symphony, Homer Davis Elementary, and the Miles Exploratory Learning Center, earning praise for their “absolute professionalism.” Dylan also serves on the School of Music’s Undergraduate Curriculum Committee and SEEC7, and was a featured guest conductor for the 2025 Great Southwest Flute Fest.
All this while working as a Starbucks Regional Barista Trainer, private instructor and more. Dylan’s artistry, leadership, and service places them in the top percentile of our undergraduate seniors.
- Spring 2025 Graduation Convocation | May 18 | 2p | Centennial Hall
How would you describe your experience at the College of Fine Arts?
I was raised in a small town in Washington state, and I was drawn to the U of A by its incredible faculty, thriving musical community, and the expansion of my cultural influence that is offered by Tucson. I have participated in seven performing ensembles throughout my time here with which I have played flute, percussion, sang, and directed. I have also been a proud member of our Student Union, working for our campus Starbucks locations for a little over three years. During my degree, I have been offered an array of opportunities, both in teaching and performing, that have left a lasting impact on my competence and confidence as I enter into the field of professional music and education.
What’s your favorite memory or experience?
My favorite memory as a fine arts student was riding in an elevator with famed flutist Susan Milan. The flute studio hosted Susan Milan for a masterclass and performance and I just happened to have been heading up from the practice rooms to the second floor when she, along with my professor Dr. Brian Luce, boarded the elevator. She is an incredible figure in the industry, having redefined what is possible in the field and creating a steadfast legacy through her career, and it was truly humbling and magnificent to share that short, casual elevator ride with someone whom I admire so greatly.
What experiences of leadership were impactful?
In my second year, the Graduate Assistant in the flute studio finished her program, leaving a vacuum of communicative and organizational duties that she upheld unfulfilled. Around the same time, I approached my studio professor, Dr. Luce, with the proposition of assisting him in the direction of our premier flute ensemble, Flutefinity. Together, we formed the role of Assistant Director of Flutefinity and he gave me significant liberties in defining its responsibilities.
I quickly became the mediator of communication and organization between Dr. Luce and my fellow studio members. I rehearsed the group when Dr. Luce was on tour, answered questions about expectations and assignments, gave guidance in studio classes and in personal projects related to flute performance, and overall worked to maintain a constant flow of communication and reassurance to my studio. This is a role that I am incredibly proud of. It relieved many of the issues that compete for Dr. Luce’s time and added to my experiential confidence as a leader.
How did you get involved in community service?
I have been incredibly active in the Tucson community. I am always seeking opportunities to perform, conduct outreach events, and connect with the community. I have been in more than 20 classrooms of all levels over the last four years, whether to perform, teach, guest conduct, or share my experience as a music student in hopes of inspiring others. In addition to my work in public schools, I have also been a guest performer and director for a number of community ensembles, including the Pima Community College Orchestra and a handful of churches in the Tucson area.
What are your post-graduation plans?
After graduation, I intend to pursue a graduate degree in Wind Conducting and teach in the Tucson public school system for a number of years. The city has grown on me and I would be honored to give back to its youth through my passion and talent for music.
Spring 2025 Graduation Awards
- Aracely Rodriguez | School of Art | Outstanding Senior
- Ricardo Chavez | School of Art | Outstanding Graduate
- Nikki Martin | School of Dance | Outstanding Senior
- Kevan Sullivan | CFA / School of Dance | Outstanding Graduate
- Gloria Orozco Dorado | School of Music | Outstanding Graduate
- Dylan Cook | CFA / School of Music | Outstanding Senior
- Julia Franco | School of Theatre, Film & Television | Outstanding Senior